A groan from the other side of the room.
“Louise?” he whispered. “Is that you?”
He heard nothing but silence except for the men’s snores.
“Louise, are you okay?” His whisper was a little louder.
“I’m fine.” Despite her soft whisper, he heard a large dose of annoyance.
“I heard you groan.”
“I’m fine. Go to sleep.”
“You’re sure?”
“Nate, go to sleep,” Missy ordered.
“Go to sleep,” Sam said.
“Please, let me sleep,” Miss Rolfe murmured.
“Are you satisfied?” Louise almost growled the words.
“Sorry,” Nate muttered. “I was only concerned.”
No one replied. There was nothing he could do but go back to sleep.
The next morning, Peace rattled about at the stove. As soon as he was sure they were all awake, he shooed the men outside to allow the women to dress.
“Chores to do,” he chirped as he hurried to the barn.
It was cold in the predawn morning, and the men, eager for the shelter of the barn, followed Peace and helped feed the animals.
They returned to the house, ate a hurried breakfast of fried potatoes and salt pork. Peace and Dutch went to hitch the animals to the stagecoach.
“It’s cold out there,” Dutch said when he returned, rubbing his hands together. “You’ll be grateful for the buffalo robes today.”
Miss Rolfe looked about the room. “Either Nate or Sam will have to ride. Won’t they be awfully cold?” Before anyone could answer, she nodded as if she had solved the problem to her satisfaction. “I could stay behind. Keep Peace company until the next stage.” She smiled at him.
Peace’s mouth fell open. He sputtered several times before he could get a word out. “Ma’am, that’s not possible. It would be highly improper.”
Miss Rolfe sighed. “I suppose so, but you can’t blame a person for trying.”
“If you say so.”
Nate reckoned Peace had never been so anxious to see a stagecoach and its passengers depart.
“I’ll get my horse.” He started for the door, but Sam stopped him.
“I’ll ride. You stay with your wife.”
Nate grinned at Louise and mouthed the words my wife. She glowered at him, but he didn’t care. He kind of liked having an excuse to keep an eye on her and she couldn’t do a thing about it.
Chapter Eight
Louise had had it clear to the top of her head with Nate calling attention to her condition with his constant worry about her comfort. Like waking everyone last night with his question. Now everyone looked at her with interest or concern. No doubt they wondered if she’d delay their journey.
Nothing she said would ease their minds because they had only to look at her to know she wasn’t long from having the baby. And if her size wasn’t enough indication, she often pressed her hand to her belly before she could stop herself. But having Nate hover over her made her feel all prickly inside. Pretending he cared because she was his wife was even worse! It defied common decency.
She stepped outside and gasped as the cold air hit her lungs. Dutch helped the three women aboard while Nate and the two Mr. Adamses carried out the buffalo robes.
Miss Rolfe lowered herself to one seat. Louise grabbed Missy and pulled her down next to her on the cold leather seat beside Miss Rolfe.
Mr. Adams and then his son climbed in. Nate came last. He tipped his head at Missy to signal her to let him sit in her place.
“Missy—” But before Louise could order her to stay where she was, the younger woman hopped over and sat facing her, a pleased smile on her lips.
Louise smiled back but only with her mouth.
Mr. Adams spread the buffalo robe over the three on that bench.
Nate unfolded the one he held and pulled the robe around the three of them. He let Miss Rolfe tuck it in about herself, but he turned to Louise. First, he pulled her shawl over her head and tightened it under her chin.
“Your head is like a chimney. All the heat goes out there unless you keep it covered.”
Her gaze drilled his, warning him not to take his pretend-spouse role too literally.
He smiled, his blue eyes dancing.
He was enjoying this far too much.